The founding concept of the World Society of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons was the need to have a truly international forum for the exchange of ideas and progress in clinical care and research, without geographical bias. Serving that concept, subsequent Meetings were held in different parts of the globe.

Each year the Steering Committee and Chancellor select a venue for the Annual Meeting, three years in advance. Consideration in this selection is given to the geographical area, with as yet unrepresented countries favored, and essential to the selection is a local Chairman who carries an international reputation and who is capable of organizing a Congress worthy of the Society. The Chairman of the last years Congress assumes the role of President for the ensuing year, and is President for the subsequent Meeting. At the conclusion of the Annual Meeting the Chancellor of the Society confers upon the Chairman of the Meeting the next years Presidency.